What’s it rated? PG-13
When? 2025
Where’s it showing? Apple TV+
Guy Ritchie (The Covenant, Sherlock Holmes) directs James Vanderbilt’s (Zodiac, The Amazing Spider-Man) screenplay about estranged siblings—Luke (John Krasinski) and Charlotte Purdue (Natalie Portman)—who reunite to seek the legendary Fountain of Youth. I usually enjoy these fantasy adventure movies. Think Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981), The Mummy (1999), National Treasure (2004), and Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2010). Just fun popcorn movies.
And the talent involved in this one? Guy Ritchie is a masterful director of kinetic action and (usually) sly humor. James Vanderbilt is a talented screenwriter who can usually conjure both tension and emotion. Leads Krasinski and Portman—and co-stars such as Domhnall Gleeson, Stanley Tucci, and Eiza González—comprise a solid cast. Locales include Thailand, England, Austria, and Egypt. This thing should have been a slam dunk!
Instead, it’s a snooze. Ritchie’s handy with action sequences, but most of the story vacillates between ridiculous and perfunctory as the team finds clues in famous paintings to locate the fountain. I never connected with or cared for the characters. Aside from a few chuckles, the film is unfunny and wholly forgettable, which is probably a good thing. I don’t want this clunker rolling around in my head. (125 min.) Δ
This article appears in May 29 – Jun 8, 2025.